Rolling pivot loading device

Abstract

A loading device including a guide frame, a drive mechanism and a lift mechanism. The guide frame includes a pair of spaced apart upright members each having a slot formed therethrough. The drive mechanism is coupled to the guide frame and has a shaft received concurrently through the slots of the guide frame, a sprocket mounted on the shaft, a belt member wrapped about the sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame, and a motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically within the slots between an upper position and a lower position. Movement of the shaft toward the upper position produces rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a movement of the shaft toward the lower position rotates the shaft in an opposing direction. The lift mechanism is coupled to the drive mechanism and includes a pair of arms each having an end coupled to the shaft and another end coupled to a carriage.

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, the invention claimed is:  
     
       1. A loading device comprising: 
       a guide frame including:  
       a first upright member having an upper end and a lower end;  
       a second upright member having an upper end and a lower end, the second upright member coupled in spaced apart parallel relation to the first upright member; and  
       a drive mechanism guide defined by the first upright member and the second upright member;  
       a drive mechanism coupled to the guide frame including:  
       a shaft received by drive mechanism guide;  
       a sprocket mounted on the shaft;  
       a belt member wrapped about the sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and  
       a motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically between an upper position and a lower position, movement of the shaft toward the upper position producing rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a movement of the shaft toward the lower position rotating the shaft in an opposing direction; and  
       a lift mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism and including:  
       a first arm having a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end;  
       a second arm having a first end coupled to the shaft; and a second end; and  
       a carriage coupled to the second ends of the first arm and the second arm.  
     
     
       2. A loading device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the belt member includes a first belt portion and a second belt portion, the first belt portion having a first end coupled to an outer periphery of the sprocket and a second end coupled to an upper portion of the guide frame, the second belt portion have a first end coupled to an outer periphery of the sprocket and a second end coupled to a lower portion of the guide frame. 
     
     
       3. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the drive mechanism further includes a first yoke block slidably carried by the drive mechanism guide, and a second yoke block slidably carried by the drive mechanism guide, the shaft journaled concurrently therethrough. 
     
     
       4. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the drive mechanism guide includes: 
       a first slot formed through the first upright member and slidably carrying the first yoke block; and  
       a second slot formed through the second upright member and slidably carrying the second yoke block, the first slot substantially aligned with the second slot.  
     
     
       5. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a rod terminating in a bearing coupling coupled to the shaft and permitting rotation thereof, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the upper position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the lower position. 
     
     
       6. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a shaft coupled to the first yoke block and the second yoke block, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the upper position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the lower position. 
     
     
       7. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the drive mechanism further includes: 
       a second sprocket mounted on the shaft spaced from the sprocket;  
       a second belt member wrapped about the second sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and  
       a second motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically between an upper position and a lower position in concert with the motor.  
     
     
       8. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the guide frame further includes: 
       a first track formed in the first upright member and extending substantially from the lower end to terminate in a curved portion proximate the upper end for retaining and guiding the carriage; and  
       a second track formed in the second upright member and extending substantially from the lower end to terminate in a curved portion proximate the upper end for retaining and guiding the carriage.  
     
     
       9. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the carriage further includes cam follower carried on opposing ends thereof and receivable within and movable along the first track and the second track. 
     
     
       10. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the lift mechanism further includes a first link pivotally coupled between the second end of the first arm and the carriage, and a second link pivotally coupled between the second end of the second arm and the carriage. 
     
     
       11. A loading device as claimed in  claim 1  further including an extension mechanism for coupling the guide frame to a vehicle and moving the guide frame between an extended and a retracted position. 
     
     
       12. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the extension mechanism includes an inner frame coupled across a longitudinal axis of a vehicle chassis and an outer frame telescopingly received within the inner frame, the outer frame coupled to the guide frame and moveable between the extended and retracted positions. 
     
     
       13. A loading device as claimed in  claim 1  further including an engagement mechanism carried by the carriage for engaging a refuse container. 
     
     
       14. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the engagement mechanism includes a gripping member carried by the carriage. 
     
     
       15. A loading member as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the engagement mechanism includes a pair of horizontal pins vertically spaced apart rigidly coupled to opposing ends of the carriage. 
     
     
       16. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the engagement mechanism further includes a lock mechanism for securing a refuse container thereto. 
     
     
       17. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 16  wherein the lock mechanism includes a lock member pivotally coupled to the carriage and movable between a retracted position and a position overlying one of the pair of pins. 
     
     
       18. A loading device comprising: 
       a guide frame including:  
       a first upright member having an upper end and a lower end and a slot formed therethrough; and  
       a second upright member having an upper end and a lower end and a slot formed therethrough, the second upright member coupled in spaced apart parallel relation to the first upright member with the slot of the first upright member substantially aligned with the slot of the second upright member;  
       a drive mechanism coupled to the guide frame including:  
       a shaft received concurrently through the slot of the first upright member and the slot of the second upright member;  
       a sprocket mounted on the shaft;  
       a belt member wrapped about the sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame;  
       a first yoke block slidably carried within the slot of the first upright member and a second yoke block slidably carried within the slot of the second upright member, the shaft journaled concurrently therethrough; and  
       a motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically within the slots between an upper position and a lower position, movement of the shaft toward the upper position producing rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a movement of the shaft toward the lower position rotating the shaft in an opposing direction;  
       a lift mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism and including:  
       a first arm having a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end;  
       a second arm having a first end coupled to the shaft; and a second end; and  
       a carriage coupled to the second ends of the first arm and the second arm;  
       an extension mechanism for coupling the guide frame to a vehicle and moving the guide frame between an extended and a retracted position; and  
       an engagement mechanism carried by the carriage for engaging a refuse container.  
     
     
       19. A loading device as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the belt member includes a first belt portion and a second belt portion, the first belt portion having a first end coupled to an outer periphery of the sprocket and a second end coupled to an upper portion of the guide frame, the second belt portion have a first end coupled to an outer periphery of the sprocket and a second end coupled to a lower portion of the guide frame. 
     
     
       20. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the guide frame further includes: 
       a first track formed in the first upright member and extending substantially from the lower end to terminate in a curved portion proximate the upper end for retaining and guiding the carriage; and  
       a second track formed in the second upright member and extending substantially from the lower end to terminate in a curved portion proximate the upper end for retaining and guiding the carriage.  
     
     
       21. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 20  wherein the carriage further includes cam follower carried on opposing ends thereof and receivable within and movable along the first track and the second track. 
     
     
       22. A loading member as claimed in  claim 21  wherein the engagement mechanism includes a pair of horizontal pins vertically spaced apart rigidly coupled to opposing ends of the carriage. 
     
     
       23. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 22  wherein the engagement mechanism further includes a lock mechanism for securing a refuse container thereto. 
     
     
       24. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 23  wherein the lock mechanism includes a lock member pivotally coupled to the carriage and movable between a retracted position and a position overlying one of the pair of pins, and an actuating extension extending from the lock member and terminating in a cam follower, the cam follower riding within one of the tracks of the first upright member and the second upright member following the cam followers of the carriage. 
     
     
       25. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a rod terminating in a bearing coupling coupled to the shaft and permitting rotation thereof, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the upper position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the lower position. 
     
     
       26. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a rod coupled to the first yoke block and the second yoke block, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the upper position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the lower position. 
     
     
       27. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the extension mechanism includes an inner frame coupled to a lower surface of a vehicle chassis and an outer frame telescopingly received within the inner frame, the outer frame coupled to the guide frame and moveable between the extended and retracted positions. 
     
     
       28. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the drive mechanism further includes: 
       a second sprocket mounted on the shaft spaced from the sprocket;  
       a second belt member wrapped about the second sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and  
       a second motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically within the slots between an upper position and a lower position in concert with the motor.  
     
     
       29. A refuse collection vehicle comprising: 
       a chassis;  
       a cab at one end of the chassis;  
       a refuse collection body at an opposing end of the chassis;  
       a hopper/compactor carried between the cab and the body for receipt of refuse; and  
       a loading device coupled to the side of the vehicle and comprising:  
       a guide frame including:  
       a first upright member having an upper end and a lower end;  
       a second upright member having an upper end and a lower end, the second upright member coupled in spaced apart parallel relation to the first upright member; and  
       a drive mechanism guide defined by the first upright member and the second upright member;  
       an extension mechanism coupled to the chassis of the vehicle and coupled to the lower ends of the first and second upright members, the extension mechanism moving the guide frame between an extended position away from the vehicle and a retracted position towards the vehicle;  
       a drive mechanism coupled to the guide frame including:  
       a shaft received by drive mechanism guide;  
       a sprocket mounted on the shaft;  
       a belt member wrapped about the sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and  
       a motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically between an upper position and a lower position, movement of the shaft toward the upper position producing rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a movement of the shaft toward the lower position rotating the shaft in an opposing direction; and  
       a lift mechanism coupled to the drive mechanism and including:  
       a first arm having a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end;  
       a second arm having a first end coupled to the shaft; and a second end; and  
       a carriage coupled to the second ends of the first arm and the second arm.  
     
     
       30. A refuse collection vehicle as claimed in  claim 29  wherein the extension mechanism includes an inner frame coupled perpendicularly to the chassis and an outer frame telescopingly received within the inner frame, the outer frame coupled to the guide frame and moveable between the extended and retracted positions. 
     
     
       31. A refuse collection vehicle as claimed in  claim 29  wherein the belt member includes a first belt portion and a second belt portion, the first belt portion having a first end coupled to an outer periphery of the sprocket and a second end coupled to an upper portion of the guide frame, the second belt portion have a first end coupled to an outer periphery of the sprocket and a second end coupled to a lower portion of the guide frame. 
     
     
       32. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 29  wherein the drive mechanism further includes a first yoke block slidably carried by the drive mechanism guide, and a second yoke block slidably carried by the drive mechanism guide, the shaft journaled concurrently therethrough. 
     
     
       33. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 32  wherein the drive mechanism guide includes: 
       a first slot formed through the first upright member and slidably carrying the first yoke block; and  
       a second slot formed through the second upright member and slidably carrying the second yoke block, the first slot substantially aligned with the second slot.  
     
     
       34. A refuse collection vehicle as claimed in  claim 33  wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a rod terminating in a bearing coupling coupled to the shaft and permitting rotation thereof, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the upper position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the lower position. 
     
     
       35. A refuse collection vehicle as claimed in  claim 33  wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a rod coupled to the first yoke block and the second yoke block, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the upper position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the lower position. 
     
     
       36. A refuse collection vehicle as claimed in  claim 29  wherein the drive mechanism further includes: 
       a second sprocket mounted on the shaft spaced from the sprocket;  
       a second belt member wrapped about the second sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and  
       a second motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft vertically within the slots between an upper position and a lower position in concert with the motor.  
     
     
       37. A refuse collection vehicle as claimed in  claim 29  wherein the guide frame further includes: 
       a first track formed in the first upright member and extending substantially from the lower end to terminate in a curved portion proximate the upper end for retaining and guiding the carriage; and  
       a second track formed in the second upright member and extending substantially from the lower end to terminate in a curved portion proximate the upper end for retaining and guiding the carriage.  
     
     
       38. A refuse collection vehicle as claimed in  claim 37  wherein the carriage further includes cam follower carried on opposing ends thereof and receivable within and movable along the first track and the second track. 
     
     
       39. A loading device comprising: 
       a guide frame including:  
       a first member having a first end and a second end;  
       a second member having a first end and a second end, the second member coupled in spaced apart parallel relation to the first member; and  
       a drive mechanism guide defined by the first member and the second member;  
       a drive mechanism coupled to the guide frame including:  
       a shaft received by drive mechanism guide;  
       a sprocket mounted on the shaft;  
       a belt member wrapped about the sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and  
       a motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft between a first position toward the first ends of the members and a second position toward the second ends of the members, movement of the shaft toward the first position producing rotation of the shaft in a first direction and a movement of the shaft toward the second position rotating the shaft in an opposing direction; and  
       an arm having a first end coupled to the shaft and a second end.  
     
     
       40. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 39  wherein the drive mechanism further includes a first yoke block slidably carried by the drive mechanism guide, and a second yoke block slidably carried by the drive mechanism guide, the shaft journaled concurrently therethrough. 
     
     
       41. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 40  wherein the drive mechanism guide includes: 
       a first slot formed through the first member and slidably carrying the first yoke block; and  
       a second slot formed through the second member and slidably carrying the second yoke block, the first slot substantially aligned with the second slot.  
     
     
       42. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 40  wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a rod terminating in a bearing coupling coupled to the shaft and permitting rotation thereof, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the first position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the second position. 
     
     
       43. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 40  wherein the motor includes a hydraulic cylinder mounted to the guide frame and having a shaft coupled to the first yoke block and the second yoke block, extension of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the first position and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder moving the shaft to the second position. 
     
     
       44. A loading mechanism as claimed in  claim 39  wherein the drive mechanism further includes: 
       a second sprocket mounted on the shaft spaced from the sprocket;  
       a second belt member wrapped about the second sprocket and having opposing ends anchored to the guide frame; and  
       a second motor coupled to the shaft for reciprocating the shaft between the first position and the second position in concert with the motor.